Steam & Cruise
Full day excursion. Steam & Cruise is the perfect day out if you have children as it has ultimate flexibility - you decide what train and cruise to go on!
Note: We hope to have the paddlesteamer Kingswear Castle in service in late early-mid June in 2025.
Tickets include:
- Train
- Ferry
- Cruise
Full day excursion. The Steam & Cruise is the perfect day out if you have children as it has ultimate flexibility - you decide what train and cruise to go on! (Includes Dartmouth-Kingswear passenger ferry.)
A Typical Day's Itinerary
- Train from Paignton - 30 minute train journey to Kingswear
- Ferry from Kingswear - 10 minute ferry crossing to Dartmouth but allow 30 minutes beforehand
- Cruise from Dartmouth - 60 minute cruise to Dartmouth
- Ferry from Dartmouth - 10 minute ferry crossing to Kingswear but allow 30 minutes beforehand
- Train from Kingswear - 30 minute train journey to Paignton
- Arrive back in Paignton
Book your Steam & Cruise tickets now - Buy Tickets
The River Cruise departs Dartmouth (where the foot passenger ferry drops you off) daily at 11:15, 12:30, 13:45, & 15:30.
Travel on the steam railway from Paignton to Kingswear, then cross the River Dart on our foot passenger ferry to Dartmouth, where you board one of our boats for a circular River Cruise (approximately 1hr duration) around the river and estuary. The cruise takes you to the mouth of the river passing Kingswear & Dartmouth Castles, Dittisham village, Britannia Royal Naval College and Greenway House – home to the late Dame Agatha Christie. Tell the children to keep their eyes peeled for the varied wildlife that can be seen – Dolphins, Seals, Herons, Egrets, Buzzards and Kingsfisher if you're quick enough!
On your return to Dartmouth there'll be time to look around, go shopping and have some lunch before going back to Kingswear for your return steam train ride to Paignton. Or if it suits, back to Kingswear for an earlier train to Paignton. All inclusive ticket.
All trips begin by train from Paignton if you are purchasing online. At Kingswear board the foot passenger ferry to Dartmouth. Choose the harbour cruise from Dartmouth that suits you and your party. Back to Kingswear for the return journey to Paignton. This tour can be done in reverse i.e. have your cruise in Dartmouth first followed by your return train trip to Paignton.
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Reviews
- Atmospheric steam train - We took the steam train from Paignton to Kingswear and then the ferry to Dartmouth (inc in the ticket). It was a trip back in time and most enjoyable, despite the very rainy weather! Good value for money.
- Great family fun - It was brilliant with our 2yo - she was so excited to see the trains and the view along the journey was beautiful. The commentary on the boat was well delivered. Would highly recommend!
- Lovely trip - The steam railway train is brilliant, the iconic click-clacking of the train was enjoyable to listen to and and the train ride had stunning views. The short ferry was also lovely (only about a minute or two).